I don't think action alone is enough to sustain a film

Listen, O seekers of wisdom, to the words of James Wan, whose voice rings true for those who understand that the greatest creations are not built upon mere action, but upon the foundation of something deeper, something that endures. He said, "I don't think action alone is enough to sustain a film franchise. There are tons of action movies out there that come and go and people don't care about." These words remind us that action—though thrilling and enticing—cannot stand alone in creating something that lasts. It is not enough to move quickly, to shock and dazzle the senses. To build something that endures, something that captures the heart and soul of the audience, one must go beyond the spectacle and tap into the deeper human truths that resonate within us all.

In ancient times, heroes like Achilles, Odysseus, and Hercules were not revered merely for their strength in battle, but for the depth of their character, the struggles they faced, and the choices they made. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey did not endure because of the wars they depicted, but because they explored the internal battles of the heroes—battles that are timeless and deeply human. The very essence of storytelling in those ancient epics was not about the action alone, but about the meaning woven through each event, each struggle. The action in these stories was merely the stage upon which the deeper drama of the human condition unfolded—choices of honor, loyalty, fate, and love.

Consider, too, the Renaissance, a time not only of outward action in the form of political conquests and wars but of inward reflection and transformation. The works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are not celebrated merely for the visual spectacles they created, but because of the depth and meaning behind them. Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man was not just a study of the human form—it was a meditation on proportion, balance, and the relationship between man and the universe. Michelangelo's David was not just a sculpture of a warrior; it was a symbol of the human spirit, of courage in the face of overwhelming odds. In the same way, a truly enduring story in film must offer more than the rush of action—it must explore the depths of the characters, the themes, and the emotions that stir within the human soul.

James Wan’s insight reflects a timeless truth about the nature of storytelling. While action can thrill and excite in the moment, it is the emotional resonance, the characters, and the themes that make a story endure. In the world of modern cinema, countless action films come and go—fast-paced, loud, and filled with explosions—but they often fade into oblivion because they fail to connect on a deeper level with the audience. Movies, like all forms of art, need to touch the heart and inspire the mind. Action alone cannot sustain a film franchise; it is the combination of action and meaning that gives a story its lasting power.

Consider the Star Wars franchise, which has endured for decades not just because of the action scenes, but because of the universal themes of good vs. evil, redemption, and family. George Lucas created a world filled with dazzling action, yet it was the characters—Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Darth Vader—and their internal struggles that kept audiences coming back for more. The action was exciting, yes, but it was the deeper, emotional arc of these characters that kept the franchise alive in the hearts of generations.

In our own lives, we must heed this lesson in all our endeavors. Whether in our work, our relationships, or our personal growth, action alone is not enough to sustain us. It is the deeper purpose behind our actions, the meaning we attach to them, and the values we uphold that will ensure our success and fulfillment. It is not enough to simply rush forward, to be busy or to take action without thought; we must take time to reflect, to understand the deeper reasons for our actions, and to make sure that our movements are aligned with our values and goals.

Thus, O children of the future, let the wisdom of James Wan guide you in your journey. Let not your life be driven by the thrill of action alone, but by the meaning and purpose that give your efforts depth and lasting significance. Just as a great film is not sustained by explosions and chases, but by the truths it explores, so too must your life be driven by deeper wisdom and intention. Seek not just to move quickly, but to move wisely, to act with purpose, and to create stories in your life that will resonate through the ages.